- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
Lexus RC F Coupe. Luxury drift car
The Lexus RC F is a sports modification of the compact luxury Lexus RC coupe, designed for public roads. The F in the name stands for the Japanese Fuji Speedway track. The model has been produced since 2014 and was restyled in 2019. It is not available in Israel. The V8 engine makes the car one of the fastest in the brand’s model range: the car accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Various tuning studios use the Lexus RC F as a basis to build drift cars. The track F-modification differs from the usual RC cars by many details: 19-inch wheels, some elements of the interior and body, new sport-tuned suspension, and controlled rear wheels. All the hallmarks of a racing character are there for all to see: an aggressive, sporty exterior, carbon-fiber interior and exterior accents, a racing dashboard, sport seats with anatomical head restraints and a sport steering wheel.
The first generation
It has been produced from 2014 to the present (as of 2021). The creators of the Lexus RC F have put the sporting qualities of the car at the forefront, adapting it to normal road conditions and to non-professional racers. ‘We’ve built the car to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts – no matter what their level of expertise, ” said RC F Chief Engineer. The car is equipped with a 5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, which was previously installed on the IS F. The modernized engine has received new block heads, titanium valves, an intake system and higher compression. The unit offers an output of 467 hp and 526 Nm of torque.
‘We’ve built the car to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts – no matter what their level of expertise’
The entire ‘herd of horses’ is transmitted through an 8-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels, which can turn during maneuvers for greater efficiency. The Lexus RC F features an independent suspension: a double wishbone suspension at the rear and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Lightweight aluminum is actively used in the body and chassis. The steering is a variable gear ratio. The car comes with Michelin Pilot Sport R19 in dimensions 255/35 at the front and 275/35 at the rear. Its disc brakes are ventilated (6-piston calipers and brake discs with a diameter of 380 mm in front and 4-piston, with 345 mm discs at the rear).
Modernization
In 2017, in addition to the three standard driving modes (Normal, Sport and Eco), the RC F Sport version has received two additional ones: the Extreme Sport S+ and the individually programmable Custom Mode.
In 2019, the Lexus RC F was restyled inside and outside. Moreover, engineers have prepared a special Track Edition version. It is lighter and more aerodynamic. The special version is equipped with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and lightweight 19-inch BBS wheels. The hood and roof, rear seat reinforcement and bumper reinforcement are made of carbon fiber, while the mufflers and exhaust pipes are made of titanium. The Lexus RC F Track Edition accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just under 4 seconds.
The five-liter V8 engine has been kept, but the restyled 2019/2020 Lexus RC F has a new intake manifold, which was boosted from 473 to 479 hp, while its torque grew from 527 to 536 Nm. This data applies to cars sold in the USA and Japan, the European version is limited to 457 hp and 520 Nm due to environmental standards. The new Lexus RC F features hollow drive shafts, a smaller A/C compressor and aluminum brackets instead of steel brackets. The suspension settings have been changed, the rear has got stiffer bushings.
